Self-cleaning and smart gutter system

ABSTRACT

A dwelling water drainage system is provided, which includes a gutter system having a water collection function mode for collecting and diverting water during rain and a self-cleaning function mode for cleaning debris from the gutter system. A controller controls the function or operation of the gutter system and is configured to transition the gutter system from the water collection function mode to the self-cleaning function mode. The controller is configured to communicate with a mobile device or a tablet for programing and/or controlling the operations of the gutter system.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a gutter system for a residential or commercial building. More specifically, the invention relates to a self-cleaning and smart gutter system for easy removal of debris.

BACKGROUND

A gutter is on every house and commercial building to guide rain and storm water off the roof and away from the foundation of the house and building. A gutter is critical for maintaining a sound structure and preventing structural damage to the dwelling. If rain, no matter how mild, is not diverted away from the dwelling, water can damage the ground next to the foundation. Prolonged water exposure along the foundation erodes the soil and can seep down along the foundation, increasing the risk of basement leak and structural corrosion. Moreover, gutters that safely manage storm water do more than simply protect the dwelling. Gutters also preserve the yard because rainwater could cut pathways through the yard, creating ditches and pooling in low-sloped areas.

The most common problem is keeping the gutter clean and free from debris. Storms and change in seasons cause debris, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, to clog the gutter. Rainwater trapped in a clogged gutter or downspout has nowhere to go but over the edge of the trough, rendering the gutter useless. Moreover, if the debris remains during winter, snowmelt can pool and refreeze in the gutters, potentially weighing them down and causing the gutter to break from the dwelling. Clogged gutters also increase the risk of ice dams forming at the edge of the roof. Contractors commonly recommend cleaning gutters at least twice a year—more specifically once in the spring and again in the fall or before winter arrives. With traditional gutters, there are two maintenance options. The owner of the dwelling can climb a ladder and clean out the debris by hand. While this saves money, it frequently results in many accidents and injuries. The second option is to pay a professional gutter-cleaning crew to clear the gutters and downspouts, which can be expensive.

Various entities have invented and sold different gutter designs aimed at solving the maintenance problem. One such design includes placing a hood or a non-porous cover over the gutter trough to block the debris from falling into the trough. The capillary action of the water adhering to the cover diverts the water into the trough. However, this system could lack efficiency in heavier storms, as an amount of water may fail to divert into the trough through the cohesion action of water with the surface of the cover. Another solution has been to cover the trough with a porous or mesh filter, which allows water but not debris to enter into the trough. In heavier storms, however, the capillary action of the water on the filter's surface can cause the water to run-off, resulting in less than an ideal amount of water to be captured by the trough. Additionally, debris can also get stuck in the filter and accumulate on top of the filter, which not only causes even more run-off water but also creates the need to clean the filters. Cleaning mesh filters can be even more difficult than cleaning plain gutters without a filter. In winter season, the mesh filter can also freeze-up, resulting in a heavy buildup of ice. Once the ice melts, the water pours onto the foundation of the house or the driveway, causing damage and hazardous conditions should the water refreeze.

With the advancement of home technology, many components are becoming smart features. The present invention is a reinvented gutter that is easy to maintain and clean and efficient in capturing rain water.

SUMMARY

The embodiments of the present inventions are directed to a dwelling water drainage system. The dwelling water drainage system comprises a gutter system having a water collection function mode for collecting and diverting water during rain and a self-cleaning function mode for cleaning debris from the gutter system. A controller (e.g., CPU) is provided for controlling an operation of the gutter system to transition the gutter system from the water collection function mode to the self-cleaning function mode. The controller is configured to communicate with a mobile device (e.g., a phone or tablet) or a computer for programing and/or controlling the operation of the gutter system. The gutter system further includes an actuating mechanism, in communication with the controller, for movably operating a wall of the gutter system from a closed position to perform the water collection function mode to an open position to perform the self-cleaning function mode. For example, the actuating mechanism moves the wall from a generally horizontal position, in the closed position, to a generally vertical or angled position, in the open position, to cause debris to fall out of the gutter system. The actuating mechanism is configured to apply a vibration motion to the wall of the gutter system to assist in the removal of debris. The controller is configured to set the duration of the vibration motion applied by the actuating mechanism to the wall. The controller can also be configured to set the degree of the vibration motion applied by the actuating mechanism to the wall. A rain sensor can be provided to be in communication with the controller for signaling to the controller on when rain has stopped so that the controller can initiate the self-cleaning function mode. The rain sensor can also signal to the controller on the severity of the rain so that the controller can change a type of the self-cleaning function to be performed. For example, the controller can set the duration of the vibration or the degree of the vibration based on the detection of the rain sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a gutter system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial and simplified cross-sectional view of the gutter system of FIG. 1 viewed along the line A-A;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are partial and simplified cross-sectional views of the gutter system of FIG. 1 viewed along the line B-B;

FIG. 4 is a top view of another embodiment of a gutter system of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are partial and simplified cross-sectional views of the gutter system of FIG. 4 viewed along the line A-A;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are two embodiments of the actuating mechanism; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the operating system of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIONS

Singular term as used herein is intended to include the plural form, and vise-versa, unless an unambiguous disclaimer is provided that the term is intended to be singular or plural. The figures have not been drawn to scale. Some features have been exaggerated or made smaller for illustrative reasons. Moreover, the figures have been simplified so that the features of the inventions can be better described and viewed.

Referring now to the figures, where similar components are referred to by the same reference numbers, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a dwelling water drainage system comprising a gutter system 10 of the present invention. The gutter system 10 is attached to a dwelling, such as a residential or commercial building, to collect rainwater from a roof 12 and to divert the rainwater away from the dwelling. The gutter system 10 includes an inner wall 14 which can be attached to the dwelling. An outer wall 16 opposes the inner wall 14. A bottom wall 18 connects or is disposed between the inner wall 14 and the outer wall 16. The collection of these walls 14, 16, and 18 creates a trough 20 (e.g., usually a “U”-shaped structure) for capturing rain water from the roof 12. The trough 20 can be capped in selected terminating ends by end caps 21. The trough 20 can be defined by functional segments comprising (1) gutter drop segments 22—as small segments of the trough 20 from which gutter drops 22′ extend and are in fluid communication with an elbow 24 and/or downspout 26 (see FIG. 2 ); and (2) self-cleaning trough segments 28—the majority segment of the trough 20. FIG. 1 illustrates two gutter drop segments 22, each being disposed between two self-cleaning trough segments 28. Any number of gutter drop segments 22 and self-cleaning trough segments 28 can be used, as the implemented configuration depends on the geometrical design of the roof.

The bottom wall 18 in the self-cleaning trough segments 28 is designed to open and close, as will be described below. The bottom walls 18 in the gutter drop segments 22 does not open and close because of the presence of gutter drops 22′. Gutter hangers 30 can be provided to further fixedly support the outer wall 18 to the inner wall 16 and/or the dwelling. To prevent debris, such as leaves and twigs, from entering the gutter drop segments 22, the gutter hangers 30 can be permeable mesh or lattice walls as best shown in FIG. 2 . While each gutter drop segment 22 is illustrated as being surrounded by two lattice gutter hangers 30, it can be appreciated that a top lattice wall (not illustrated) can also be disposed over these side lattice walls to completely enclose or cap the gutter drop segments 22 so as to prevent any debris from clogging the elbow 24 and the downspout 26.

FIG. 2 is a simplified cross sectional view along the line A-A of the gutter drop segment 22. The trough 20 can be seen as having walls 14, 16, and 18. The elbow 24 is connected to the gutter drop 22′ and extend to the downspout 26. A lattice wall 30, used as a gutter hanger, couples the outer wall 16 to the inner wall 14. The lattice wall 30 is not connected to bottom wall 18 of the self-cleaning trough segments 28 so as to allow bottom wall 18 of the self-cleaning trough segments 28 to open and close for self-cleaning of the gutter system 10. In some embodiments, the lattice wall 30 can be connected to the bottom wall 18 of the gutter drop segments 22. In an embodiment, there can be a nominal gap between the lattice wall 30 and the bottom wall 18 so as not to interfere with the opening and closing of the bottom wall 18 of the self-cleaning trough segments 28 during the cleaning operation and allow water to move more freely.

Referring back to FIG. 1 , an actuating mechanism 32 is provided against an end cap 21. The actuating mechanism 32 can also serve as an end cap. The actuating mechanism 32 serves to rotate a shaft 34 both clockwise and counterclockwise. The shaft 34 can extend along the length of the trough 20 and can be supported by bearings (not shown) disposed in the gutter hangers 30 and/or along the inner wall 14. The shaft 34 is configured to turn cams 36 positioned in each of the self-cleaning trough segments 28. The turning of the cams 36 allow the bottom wall 18 of the trough 20 of the self-cleaning trough segments 28 to open and close. FIG. 1 shows three cams 36 since one is needed for each bottom wall 18 of the self-cleaning trough segments 28.

The function of the cams 36 is more clearly illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIGS. 3A and 3B are the cross-sectional views of the self-cleaning trough segment 28 along the line B-B of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3A shows the self-cleaning trough segment 28 in a closed position, which functions to collect rain water and divert the rain water to the gutter drop segment 22. FIG. 3B shows the self-cleaning trough segment 28 is an open position, which functions to clean the gutter system 10. The bottom wall 18 is connected to the inner wall 14 by a biased hinge 38. The hinge 38 naturally biases the bottom wall 18 upwards, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3A. This allows the trough 20 to be water tight during collection of rainwater. The cam 36 is in a rest or up position and is placed in a location so as not to interfere with the rainwater entering the trough 20 (for example it is positioned against the actuating mechanism 36 or the lattice walls 30). As best illustrated by FIG. 3B, the actuating mechanism 32 turns the shaft 34, causing the cam 36 to turn (here counterclockwise) and push against the biased bottom wall 18. The arrows in FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the movement of the cam 36. The bottom wall 18 is pushed opened by the cam 36, to allow debris, such as twigs and leaves, to fall out. When in this open position, the actuating mechanism 32 can vibrate the cam 36 for vigorously vibrating the bottom wall 18. The outer wall 16 and inner wall 14 can also shake as a result of this vibration action. The vibration allows the bottom wall 18 to shake the debris that may be stuck to the trough 20. Once the cleaning function is completed, the actuating mechanism turns the cam from the down, open position back to its rest or up position (here clockwise). The bottom wall 18 self-biases upwards to its closed position, ready to collect rainwater. The bottom wall 18 can be described as being in a generally horizontal position at the closed position and a generally vertical or angled position at the open position. The bottom wall 18 can also include a lip 40 so as to overlap the outer wall 16 and form a tighter seal against the outer wall 16 when in the closed position.

The gutter system 10 thus has a water collection function mode for collecting and diverting water during rain and can transition or changeover to a self-cleaning function mode for cleaning debris, such as twigs, leaves, and dirt after the rain has ended. As will be described below, the actuator mechanism 32 includes a motor (inside the device) to operating the cams 36, a power unit (rechargeable batteries), a controller for controlling the motor, and a rain sensor for signaling to the controller to change the gutter system from the water collection function mode to the self-cleaning function mode. The controller of the actuator mechanism 32 can also be in communication (e.g., via Bluetooth® connection) with a user system or interface, such as a computer or mobile device (e.g., smart phone or tablet) to allow a user to program or control the operation of the gutter system 10. The user can initiate the self-cleaning function mode or pre-program the actuator mechanism 32 on when to start and stop the self-cleaning function mode (e.g., 1 hour after the rain has stopped, 2 hours after the rain has stopped, every other Sunday at 9 AM, etc.). The user can also program the duration of the cleaning function, the duration of the vibration function, and the degree of the vibration function, and all such functions based on the severity of the storm. For example, if it rains over an hour or if the storm is more severe, the user can program a longer vibration time and greater vibration amount as compared to shorter or less torrential rain falls. The user can also manually assisting with cleaning of the trough 20 when the bottom wall 18 is open, such as, for example with a power hose or a broom type device.

FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B illustrate another embodiment of the dwelling water drainage system comprising the gutter system 10. The gutter system 10 includes a water diversion extension wall 42 placed between the trough 20 and the roof 12. As a result, the trough 20 is positioned at a distance away from the dwelling as opposed to its normal position of being abutted against the dwelling. The width w of the extension wall 42 can be from 3 to 6 inches, preferably around 3 to 4 inches. The trough 20 can be connected to the dwelling by the gutter hangers 30 or other types of support structure. The gutter hangers 30 can be connected to the outer wall 16 and inner wall 14 and bolted to the dwelling. The number of gutter hangers 30 used will obviously depend on the length of the trough 20 as enough hangers 30 need to be used to make the trough 20 sturdy. The extension wall 42 is sloped at a downward angle from the roof 12 towards the inner wall 14, for example at about 1 to 4 degrees, preferably at 2 to 3 degrees, to allow water to efficiently flow into the trough 20. The inner wall 14, as best illustrated in FIG. 5A, includes an extension portion 14′. The extension portion 14′ has to extend above the extension wall 42 when the extension wall 42 is in its closed position—that is, the position for diverting water into the trough 20. Preferably the extension portion 14′ should extend 1 to 3 inches above the upper surface of the extension wall 42 when at its closed position. The extension portion 14′ of the inner wall 14 is porous or made from a lattice structure so as to prevent debris from entering the trough 20. Gutter drops 22′ are provided in the trough 20 to collect the water into the elbow and out the downspout.

Here, the actuating mechanism 32 turns or rotates the extension wall 42 from a closed position (FIG. 5A) for diverting water into the trough 20 to an open position (FIG. 5B) for allowing debris to fall out. FIGS. 5A and 5B are simplified to show free floating trough 20, but it is noted that gutter hangers 30 (or other support structures including the actuating mechanism itself) can be used to secure the trough 20 to the dwelling. In the open position, the extension wall 42 turns downwards and away from the trough 20 and towards the dwelling. In the open position of FIG. 5B, the actuating mechanism 32 can further vibrate the extension wall 42 to allow the debris, which may be stuck to the extension wall 42, to be shaken off the extension wall 42. In the open position, a user can further use a power hose or extended broom to clean the gutter system 10. The gutter system 10 thus has a water collection function mode for collecting and diverting water during rain and can transition or changeover to a self-cleaning function mode for cleaning debris, such as twigs, leaves, and dirt after the rain has ended. The actuator mechanism 32 can include a motor (inside the device) for turning or rotating the extension wall 42, a power unit (rechargeable batteries), a controller for controlling the motor, and a rain sensor for signaling to the controller to change the gutter system from the water collection function mode to the cleaning function mode. The controller of the actuator mechanism 32 can also be in communication (e.g., Bluetooth® connection) with a user system or interface, such as a computer or mobile device (e.g., smart phone or tablet) to allow a user to program or control the operation of the gutter system 10. The user can initiate the cleaning function mode or pre-program the actuator mechanism 32 on when to start and stop the cleaning function mode (e.g., 1 hour after the rain has stopped, 2 hours after the rain has stopped, every other Sunday at 9 AM, etc.). The user can also program the duration of the cleaning function, the duration of the vibration function, and the degree of the vibration function, and all such functions based on the severity of the storm. For example, if it rains over an hour or if the storm is more severe, the user can program a longer vibration time and greater vibration amount as compared to shorter or less torrential rain falls. The user can also manually assisting with cleaning of the trough 20 when the bottom wall 18 is open, such as, for example with a power hose or a broom type device.

In some embodiments, instead of a cam system, the actuator mechanism 32 of FIG. 1 can be connected directly to the bottom wall 18 and function the same way as that of FIG. 4 with the extension wall 42. In other words, multiple actuating mechanisms 32 can be installed and be directly connected to the bottom wall 18 for turning each of the bottom walls 18 of the self-cleaning trough segments 28.

FIG. 6A illustrates one embodiment of the actuating mechanism 32. The mechanism 32 is configured to rotate shaft 34 for turning the cam 36. Solar cells 44 can be provided on top of the actuating mechanism 32 for recharging the power unit. The actuating mechanism 32 can also be connected to an electrical line. Further, a rain sensor 46 can be provided to sense if rain has stopped so as to signal to the controller to initiate the cleaning function. The rain sensor 46 can also detect the severity of the rain fall so that the controller can select the duration of the cleaning operation, duration of the vibration function, and the severity of the vibration function. FIG. 6B illustrates a similar actuating mechanism 32 for operating the extension wall 42. The actuating mechanism 32 can turn the extension wall 42 along an axis that is close to the roof 12 of the dwelling. In one embodiment, the axis of ration can be about the middle of the actuating mechanism 32 or extension wall 42. This way, when the extension wall 42 is rotated to an open position for the cleaning process, both sides of the extension wall 42 will be exposed and easily accessible. A controller (e.g., CPU) can control the function of the actuating mechanism 32 and the motor via a mobile device or computer. As shown in FIG. 7 , the controller is in communication with a motor of the actuating mechanism 32 and the sensor 46. The controller can be programed or operated by the user system/interface, such as a mobile device (iPhone or tablet) or a computer. For ease of use, the user system/interface can provide pre-set functions for the user to select or the user can manually input the time for the cleaning function, the duration of the cleaning function, the duration of the vibration, and the degree of the vibration that is to be applied.

One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that inventions as described above may be practiced with elements and configurations which are different than those described above. For example, the bottom wall 18 or the extension wall may be opened and closed manually by an elongated stick with a loop and hook type system. Therefore, although the inventions have been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the inventions. 

1. A dwelling water drainage system, comprising: a gutter system having a water collection function mode for collecting and diverting water during rain and a self-cleaning function mode for cleaning debris from the gutter system; and a controller for controlling an operation of the gutter system to transition the gutter system from the water collection function mode to the self-cleaning function mode.
 2. The dwelling water drainage system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to communicate with a phone or a tablet for programing and/or controlling the operation of the gutter system.
 3. The dwelling water drainage system of claim 1, additionally comprising an actuating mechanism in communication with the controller for movably operating a wall of the gutter system from a closed position to perform the water collection function mode to an open position to perform the self-cleaning function mode.
 4. The dwelling water drainage system of claim 3, wherein the actuating mechanism moves the wall from a generally horizontal position, in the closed position, to a generally vertical or angled position, in the open position, to cause debris to fall out of the gutter system.
 5. The dwelling water drainage system of claim 3, wherein the actuating mechanism is configured to apply a vibration motion to the wall of the gutter system to assist in the removal of debris.
 6. The dwelling water drainage system of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to set a duration of the vibration motion applied by the actuating mechanism to the wall.
 7. The dwelling water drainage system of claim 6, additionally comprising a rain sensor in communication with the controller for signaling to the controller on the severity of the rain so that the controller can set the duration of the vibration motion.
 8. The dwelling water drainage system of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to set a degree of the vibration motion applied by the actuating mechanism to the wall.
 9. The dwelling water drainage system of claim 8, additionally comprising a rain sensor in communication with the controller for signaling to the controller on the severity of the rain so that the controller can set the degree of the vibration motion.
 10. The dwelling water drainage system of claim 1, additionally comprising a rain sensor in communication with the controller for signaling to the controller on when rain has stopped so that the controller can initiate the self-cleaning function mode.
 11. The dwelling water drainage system of claim 1, additionally comprising a rain sensor in communication with the controller for signaling to the controller on the severity of the rain so that the controller can change a type of the self-cleaning function to be performed. 